WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio likes his team's resilience.
Now it's time to develop a knockout punch.
Connor Cook threw three touchdown passes and Nick Hill ran for two scores Saturday, but No. 8 Michigan State still needed a late interception return for a touchdown to hold on 45-31 at Purdue

CAREER NOTES: Three-year letterwinner played in 33 career games . . . was primarily used as a tight end but also played fullback in 2014 . . . started in 11 games . . . had eight career receptions for 69 yards (8.6 avg.) in 33 games . . . former walk-on earned his bachelorâ?TMs degree in biochemistry and molecular biology in December 2014.

2014 SEASON (SENIOR): Played in nine games (sat out the Oregon, Eastern Michigan, Wyoming and Nebraska games with a calf injury) . . . started in six games (Michigan, Ohio State, Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State, Baylor) . . . started on Senior Day vs. Rutgers . . . started at Maryland and had a 12-yard reception . . . started against Michigan and was named the Spartan Offensive Lineman of the Week for his role in helping the Spartans defeat the Wolverines . . . returned to action at Purdue after missing a month with a calf injury.

2013 SEASON (JUNIOR): Had a career-high six catches for 49 yards (8.2 avg.) in 13 games, including three starting assignments (Illinois, Nebraska, Stanford) . . . had a 17-yard reception in the Rose Bowl Game against No. 5 Stanford . . . scored his first career touchdown with a 5-yard catch in the fourth quarter against Purdue.

2012 SEASON (SOPHOMORE): Saw action in eight games to earn his first letter . . . started in two games (Eastern Michigan, TCU) when the team lined up in a double tight end set . . . Academic All-Big Ten selection . . . his only reception of the season was an 8-yard catch for a first down in the fourth quarter during Michigan State's 17-13 win over No. 24 Boise State in the season opener . . . former walk-on was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2012 season.

2011 SEASON (RED-SHIRT FRESHMAN): Appeared in three games (vs. Florida Atlantic, Central Michigan and Indiana).

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: First-team all-area and all-conference selection as a senior for Coach Cory Gildersleeve at Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan . . . two-year starter saw action at tight end, slot back, defensive end and linebacker during his prep career . . . rushed 20 times for 299 yards (14.9 avg.) and three touchdowns in 2009 . . . had 11 catches for 138 yards (12.5 avg.) and two scores as a senior . . . recorded 69 tackles, with 12 resulting in losses including six sacks, plus forced and recovered two fumbles in 2009 . . . carried six times for 120 yards vs. Saline, including an 80-yard TD run . . . also registered a career-best 15 tackles and returned an interception 48 yards for a score vs. Saline . . . caught six passes for 92 yards (15.3 avg.) and two TDs as a junior . . . also lettered in basketball for the River Rats . . . son of Marc and Kim Gleichert . . . born Jan. 13, 1992 . . . majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology.